Universal pen with position or motion sensing

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a pen which includes a marking device, the pen being operative to mark a visible path onto a surface, the marking device being electronically controllable to change an attribute of the path, the pen including a user interface whereby a user may modify the attribute, the pen including at least one sensing device for sensing images or colors or both.

[0001] Continuation application of U.S. Ser. No. 09/693,704 filed onOct. 20, 2000

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to implements for placing markings,such as writing and drawings, on substrates, and more particularly todevices capable of placing markings with selectable characteristics,such as color, line width, and style. Marking includes the deposition ofmaterial, such as ink or toner, or the modification of the substrateitself, such as by thermal or electrostatic means.

CO-PENDING APPLICATIONS

[0003] Various methods, systems and apparatus relating to the presentinvention are disclosed in the following co-pending applications filedby the applicant or assignee of the present invention simultaneouslywith the present invention: U.S. Ser. Nos. 09/693,415 (NPA011US),09/693,219 (NPA031US), 09/693,280 (NPA040US), 09/693,515 (NPA046US),09/693,705 (NPA053US), 09/693,647 (NPA059US), 09/693,690 (NPA064US),09/693,593 (NPB006US), 09/693,216 (NPS004US), 09/693,341 (NPS008US),09/696,473 (NPS013US) 09/696,514 (NPS024US), 09/693,301 (NPPC1),09/693,388 (UP01US), 09/693,704 (UP02US), 09/693,510 (UP03US),09/09/693,336 (UP04US), 09/693,335 (UP05US) The disclosures of theseco-pending applications are incorporated herein by cross-reference.

[0004] Various methods, systems and apparatus relating to the presentinvention are disclosed in the following co-pending applications filedby the applicant or assignee of the present invention on 15 Sep. 2000:U.S. Ser. Nos. 09/663,579 (NPA024US), 09/669,599 (NPA025US), 09/663,701(NPA047US), 09/663,640 (NPA049US), The disclosures of these co-pendingapplications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0005] Various methods, systems and apparatus relating to the presentinvention are disclosed in the following co-pending applications filedby the applicant or assignee of the present invention on 30 Jun. 2000:U.S. Ser. Nos. 09/609,139 (NPA014US), 09/608,970 (NPA015US), 09/609,039(NPA022US), 09/607,852 (NPA026US), 09/607,656 (NPA038US), 09/609,132(NPA041US), 09/609,303 (NPA050US), 09/610,095 (NPA051US), 09/609,596(NPA052US), 09/607,843 (NPA063US), 09/607,605 (NPA065US), 09/608,178(NPA067US), 09/609,553 (NPA068US), 09/609,233 (NPA069US), 09/609,149(NPA071 US), 09/608,022 (NPA072US), 09/609,232 (NPB003US), 09/607,844(NPB004US), 09/607,657 (NPB005US), 09/608,920 (NPP019US), 09/607,985(PEC04US), 09/607,990 (PEC05US), 09/607,196 (PEC06US), 09/606,999(PEC07US) The disclosures of these co-pending applications areincorporated herein by reference.

[0006] Various methods, systems and apparatus relating to the presentinvention are disclosed in the following co-pending applications filedby the applicant or assignee of the present invention on 23 May 2000:U.S. Ser. Nos. 09/575,197 (NPA001US), 09/575,195 (NPA002US), 09/575,159(NPA004US), 09/575,132 (NPA005US), 09/575,123 (NPA006US), 09/575,148(NPA007US), 09/575,130 (NPA008US), 09/575,165 (NPA009US), 09/575,153(NPA010US), 09/575,118 (NPA012US), 09/575,131 (NPA016US), 09/575,116(NPA017US) 09/575,144 (NPA018US), 09/575,139 (NPA019US), 09/575,186(NPA020US), 09/575,185 (NPA021US), 09/575,191 (NPA030US), 09/575,145(NPA035US), 09/575,192 (NPA048US), 09/575,181 (NPA075US), 09/575,193(NPB001US), 09/575,156 (NPB002US), 09/575,183 (NPK002US), 09/575,160(NPK003US), 09/575,150 (NPK004US), 09/575,169 (NPK005US), 09/575,184(NPM001US), 09/575,128 (NPM002US), 09/575,180 (NPM003US), 09/575,149(NPM004US), 09/575,179 (NPN001US), 09/575,133 (NPP005US), 09/575,143(NPP006US), 09/575,187 (NPP001US), 09/575,155 (NPP003US), 09/575,196(NPP007US), 09/575,198 (NPP008US), 09/575178 (NPP016US), 09/575,164(NPP017US), 09/575,146 (NPP018US), 09/575,174 (NPS001US), 09/575,163(NPS003US), 09/575,168 (NPS020US), 09/575,154 (NPT001US), 09/575,129(NPT002US), 09/575,124 (NPT003US), 09/575,188 (NPT004US), 09/575,189(NPX001US), 09/575,162 (NPX003US), 09/575,172 (NPX008US), 09/575,170(NPX011US), 09/575,171 (NPX014US), 09/575,161 (NPX016US), 09/575,141(IJ52US), 09/575,125 (IJM52US), 09/575,142 (MJ10US), 09/575,140(MJ11US), 09/575,190 (MJ12US), 09/575,138 (MJ13US), 09/575,126 (MJ14US),09/575,127 (MJ15US), 09/575,158 (MJ34US), 09/575,117 (MJ47US),09/575,147 (MJ58US), 09/575,152 (MJ62US), 09/575,176 (MJ63US),09/575,115 (PAK04US), 09/575,114 (PAK05US), 09/575,113 (PAK06US),09/575,112 (PAK07US), 09/575,111 (PAK08US), 09/575,108 (PEC01US),09/575,109 (PEC02US), 09/575,110 (PEC03US) The disclosures of theseco-pending applications are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0007] Current drawing and writing implements such as pens and pencilsare relatively static devices in relation to the characteristics of themarking that they produce. A pencil, fountain or ball type pen generallyhas a single marking point which deposits a single color of lead or ink.The marking point of a pen cannot be modified other than by replacementand any modification of the characteristics of markings made rely on theuser changing the orientation of the implement, the direction ofmovement and the force applied to the substrate. Whilst some ball typepens are available with multiple separate cartridges, these merelyprovide the user with the ability to select a particular color. Becauseeach color is provided by a separate cartridge, there is a limit on thenumber of colors which may be practically provided.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0008] In an attempt to provide a writing or marking implement withincreased utility, the present invention, in one broad form, provides apen or a cartridge for a pen including an inkjet type printhead as analternative to a conventional nib or point of a pen or pencil. Theprovision of an inkjet type printhead enables more variation of andeasier control over the characteristics of the markings made as comparedto conventional pens and pencils.

[0009] The invention also provides, in one broad form, a pen including amarking device and operative to mark a visible path onto a surface, themarking device electronically controllable to change at least oneattribute of the path, the pen including a user interface whereby a usermay modify the at least one attribute.

[0010] The marking device may be integral with the pen or may be part ofa user replaceable cartridge.

[0011] Accordingly, in one broad form, the invention also provides acartridge for a pen, the cartridge including a marking device andoperative to mark a visible path onto a surface, the marking deviceelectronically controllable to change at least one attribute of thepath.

[0012] The pen or the cartridge may include a non marking stylus nib.The stylus nib is preferably movable along a first axis relative to thecartridge body or pen. Alternatively, the stylus nib may be fixed. Inthe preferred form the stylus and marking device are both part of a userreplaceable cartridge but the stylus nib may be part of the pen and themarking device part of a disposable cartridge.

[0013] A position sensor which senses the relative position of thestylus nib, or a force sensor which senses the compressive force appliedto the stylus nib, or both, may be provided. The information sensed maybe used merely to turn the marking device on or off or it may also beused to control an attribute of the path deposited.

[0014] An on/off switch may be turned to an “on” state upon sensing ofmore than a predetermined amount of movement of the stylus nib orapplication of more than a predetermined compressive force to the stylusnib.

[0015] The marking device preferably includes a capper device movablebetween an open position, in which the printhead may deposit ink on thesurface, and a closed position in which the capper blocks the printheadfrom depositing ink.

[0016] In the preferred form the capper device rotates about an axisbetween the open and closed positions. Preferably this movement isachieved by movement of the stylus nib.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment there is a stylus nib movable along afirst axis which includes a slot or groove extending at other than 0° or90° to the first axis. A capper device is mounted in front of themarking device and is rotatable about a second axis parallel to thefirst axis between an open and closed position. The capper deviceincludes an arm engaging the slot or groove, whereby movement of thestylus nib along the first axis moves the capper device between the openand closed positions.

[0018] The cartridge or pen may include a power source for at least themarking device and preferably for the user interface. The power sourcemay be a disposable battery or a rechargeable battery.

[0019] Where a cartridge is provided, the cartridge preferably includesan electrical input for receiving at least one control signal forchanging the at least one attribute from the pen.

[0020] The marking device may act onto the surface or a transfer devicemay be provided onto which the marking device acts.

[0021] Where a cartridge is provided, the cartridge may include nonvolatile memory which stores at least data relating to the modifiableattribute or attributes.

[0022] The marking device is preferably an ink ejection type printheadbut other marking devices may be used.

[0023] The invention in a further embodiment provides a pen including amarking device and operative to mark a visible path onto a surface, themarking device electronically controllable to change at least oneattribute of the path, the pen including a user interface whereby a usermay modify the at least one attribute, and at least one sensing devicefor sensing images or colors or both.

[0024] At least one attribute may be modified, based on the sensed imageor color.

[0025] The pen preferably includes a memory for storing at least oneuser defined set of attributes and a user defined set optionallyincludes attributes derived from an image or color sensed by the sensingdevice.

[0026] One of the sensor device(s) may be capable of sensing imagesincluding coded data relating to attributes.

[0027] The sensing device may be located adjacent the marking device orbe located at one end of the pen with the marking device located at theother end of the pen.

[0028] The sensing device is preferably operable by pushing the deviceagainst a surface.

[0029] The user interface may include at least one slider or at leastone control button or at least one slider and at least one controlbutton.

[0030] The user interface may include a display for displayinginformation relating to the at least one attribute.

[0031] The user interface is preferably operable to cycle through thestored sets of at least one attribute.

[0032] The invention also provides a pen including a marking device andoperative to mark a visible path onto a surface, the marking deviceelectronically controllable to change at least one attribute of thepath, the pen including a user interface whereby a user may modify theat least one attribute and at least one sensor device capable of sensingimages including coded data.

[0033] The pen preferably includes a decoder to decode the coded dataand to change at least one attribute in response to the decoded data.

[0034] The pen may include a receiver for receiving commands from anexternal control source, at least one attribute being changed inresponse to said received commands.

[0035] The pen preferably includes a memory for storing different setsof attribute values. The memory may store at least one user defined setof the at least one attribute.

[0036] The pen preferably includes a transmitter for transmitting sensedimage data, coded data or decoded data to an external control source.

[0037] The pen preferably transmits sensed image data, coded data ordecoded data to an external control source together with the value orvalues of the at least one attribute of the path at the location of thesensed image.

[0038] The pen may include a position sensing device or a motion sensingdevice or both and at least one attribute is dependant on the relativeposition of the pen, the relative speed of the pen or both.

[0039] The position or speed of the pen may be derived from the sensedposition of the images or it may be derived from the data encoded in thesensed images.

[0040] The invention also provides, in one broad form, an ink ejectiontype printhead having a plurality of ink ejection devices and a centralaxis, the ink ejection devices arranged in a series of groups, each ofthe groups generally extending along non parallel lines.

[0041] Adjacent ink ejection devices of each group may be located onalternate sides of a radial line or on a radial line.

[0042] A set of the devices may be connected to a common supply of ink.Preferably each set includes devices of more than one group and morepreferably each set has a different ink supply to the other sets. Thedevices of a group are preferably part of the same set and adjacentgroups belong to different sets.

[0043] The groups of different sets are preferably arranged in arepeating pattern.

[0044] Preferably there are four sets and twelve groups.

[0045] Preferably each group of devices is supplied with ink from acommon gallery, all of the galleries being at a first level in theprinthead, galleries for a set of devices being interconnected in partby at least one interconnecting passageway at a second level, theinterconnecting passageways of each set passing beneath galleries of atleast one other set.

[0046] The printhead preferably includes a first layer of solidmaterial, an ink ejection device layer above the first layer and asecond layer of solid material below the first layer.

[0047] The galleries are preferably slots extending through thethickness of the first layer and preferably the interconnectingpassageways are grooves in the lower surface of the second layer whichextend only partway through the thickness of the second layer.

[0048] Preferably the second layer includes linking passageways linkingthe galleries with the interconnecting passageways, the linkingpassageways extending through the thickness of the second layer.

[0049] The first, second and an ink ejection device layers are discretelayers or part of an integral device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0050]FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a pen according to a firstembodiment of the invention.

[0051]FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the pen shown in FIG. 1.

[0052]FIG. 3 shows a side view of the pen shown in FIG. 1.

[0053]FIG. 4 shows an end view of the pen shown in FIG. 1.

[0054]FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a cartridge for use in the penshown in FIG. 1.

[0055]FIG. 6 shows an exploded perspective view of the cartridge of FIG.5.

[0056]FIG. 7 shows a side view of the nib area of the pen of FIG. 1 withpaper at various orientations.

[0057]FIG. 8 shows an exploded perspective view of a cartridge for usein a pen according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0058]FIG. 9 shows an exploded perspective view of a pen according to athird embodiment of the invention.

[0059]FIG. 10 shows an axial cross sectional view of the pen of FIG. 9.

[0060]FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of a pen according to a fourthembodiment of the invention.

[0061]FIG. 12 shows an exploded perspective view of the pen of FIG. 11.

[0062]FIG. 13 shows an exploded perspective view of part of the pen ofFIG. 11.

[0063]FIG. 14 shows a first exploded perspective view of part of thecartridge of FIGS. 5, 6 & 8.

[0064]FIG. 15 shows a second exploded perspective view of part of thecartridge of FIGS. 5, 6 & 8.

[0065]FIG. 16 shows a plan view of the printhead used in the cartridgesof FIGS. 5, 6 & 8.

[0066]FIG. 17 shows a perspective view from above of the printhead ofFIG. 16 in an open position.

[0067]FIG. 18 shows a perspective view from above of the printhead ofFIG. 16 in a closed position.

[0068]FIG. 19 shows a perspective cross sectional view from above of theprinthead of FIG. 16 in an open position.

[0069]FIG. 20 shows a perspective view from below of the printhead ofFIG. 16 in an open position.

[0070]FIG. 20a shows a plan view from below of the printhead of FIG. 16in an open position.

[0071]FIG. 21 shows an exploded perspective view from above of theprinthead of FIG. 16 in an open position.

[0072]FIG. 22 shows a perspective view from above of the MEMS inkjetlayer of the printhead of FIG. 16.

[0073]FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of a pen according to a furtherembodiment of the invention.

[0074]FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of a pen according to a furtherembodiment of the invention.

[0075]FIG. 25 shows a perspective view of a pen according to a furtherembodiment of the invention.

[0076]FIG. 26 shows a perspective view of a pen according to a furtherembodiment of the invention.

[0077]FIG. 27 shows a color card for use with various embodiments of theinvention.

[0078]FIG. 28 shows a perspective view of a pen according to a furtherembodiment of the invention with a cap on.

[0079]FIG. 29 shows a perspective view of the pen of FIG. 28 with thecap off.

[0080]FIG. 30 shows an exploded perspective view of the FIG. 29 pen.

[0081]FIG. 31 shows an exploded perspective view of parts of the FIG. 29pen.

[0082]FIG. 32 shows another exploded perspective view of parts of theFIG. 29 pen.

[0083]FIG. 33 shows another exploded perspective view of parts of theFIG. 29 pen.

[0084]FIG. 34 shows a perspective view of a pen according to a furtherembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED AND OTHER EMBODIMENTS

[0085] Note: Memjet™ is a trademark of Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd,Australia.

[0086] Basic Pen & Cartridge Construction

[0087] FIGS. 1 to 6 show a pen 1110 according to a first embodiment ofthe invention. The pen has a generally tubular pen body 1112 in which islocated a replaceable cartridge assembly 1114. The cartridge 1114includes an ink supply 1116, stylus nib 1118 and printhead 1120 and isdesigned to be discarded when the ink supply is expended or the stylusor printhead are damaged, with a new cartridge being inserted into thepen body. However the pen may be manufactured as a throw-away item withthe cartridge and pen body integral or not end user separable.

[0088] The ink supply 1116 comprises an elongate hollow tube 1122 whichis closed at one end by a first end cap 1124 and at the other end by asecond end cap 1126. The tube 1122 is preferably made of athermoplastics material but may be made of other materials. When made ofa plastics material the tube is preferably extruded so as to have aconstant cross sectional profile. However the tube may be injectionmolded. If made of metal, the tube may be also extruded. The tube 1122has a number of ribs 1128 which divide the interior of the tube intofour separate chambers 1130, 1132, 1134 & 1136. These ribs also providerigidity. The chambers are filled with ink. At its simplest the chambersall have the same colored ink. Alternatively there may be differentcolored inks in each chamber. With four colors and a suitable printheadit is possible to produce almost any desired color using a combinationof Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and BlacK (CMYK) color inks.

[0089] The chamber 1130 occupies approximately half of the tube volumewhilst the three remaining chambers each occupy one sixth of the tubevolume. In a CMYK color printing device black is normally printed morethan color and so black ink would be stored in chamber 1130 with thethree other colors stored in chambers 1132,1134 & 1136. It will beappreciated that the number and relative volumes of the chambers may bevaried as desired. Some current desktop ink jet printers utilize sixdifferent colored inks in addition to black and, if desired, the tubemay be divided into seven chambers. The colored ink chambers need notall have the same volume and the black ink chamber (if black ink isused) need not have half of the available volume. As color becomes moreaccessible, the proportion of printing using black ink may decrease andso the ratio of black ink to colored ink may change. Similarly, whilstcolor inks are supplied in equal amount, there is no reason why, forinstance, that a larger supply of magenta could not be provided.

[0090] The first end cap 1124 is shaped to substantially seal the endsof each of the chambers. The end cap 1124 includes small air inlets 1140to allow air into the chambers as the ink is used. To prevent drying ofthe inks through evaporation (the inks used are usually water based) amovable seal, not shown, is provided between the ink and the end cap1124. As ink is used, the seal moves along the respective chamber.

[0091] The second end cap 1126 is also shaped to substantially seal eachof the chambers but is provided with ink galleries 1178 (see FIG. 15)which communicate the chambers with the printhead 1120, bonded to thefree end of the cap 1126. The printhead is preferably an ink jet typeprinthead and more preferably a microelectromechanical system (MEMS)based inkjet. MEMS based inkjets expel ink using mechanical actuatorsrather than by heating of the ink, as currently used by most ink jettype printers currently available. As such MEMS based inkjets have alower power consumption compared to such printers, which makes themattractive for use in portable devices where available power is limited.For a better understanding of MEMS ink jet devices and methods offabrication, reference is made to our earlier U.S. application Ser. No.09/575,125 (docket no. IJM52US), the contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

[0092] The printhead is bonded to the end cap 1126 but mounted on aflexible printed circuit board (PCB) 1144 which includes control andpower contacts 1146.

[0093] A stylus nib 1118 is mounted on the end cap 1126 so as to becapable of a small amount of axial movement. Axial movement of thestylus nib 1118 is controlled by integral arms 1148 which extendlaterally and axially away from the inner end of the stylus to bearagainst a land 1184 (see FIG. 15). In use, pressing the stylus against asubstrate causes the arms 1148 to bend and allows the stylus to retract.The stylus is preferably formed by injection molding of a thermoplasticmaterial, most preferably Acetyl. This movement is typically a maximumof amount 0.5 mm and provides some feedback to the user. In addition theflexibility of the stylus nib accommodates a small amount of roughnessin the substrate surface. If desired the stylus nib may be fixed withsubstantially no movement allowed.

[0094] The first end cap 1124 is shaped to receive a small button orcylinder type battery 1138. The battery may merely sit on the end of theend cap or it may be inserted sideways into a chamber in the end cap.Locating the battery in a chamber enables both terminals of a button orcylindrical type battery to be easily engaged by electrical contacts inthe chamber. Merely sitting the battery on the end only allows easyengagement with one terminal. One or two wires or other electrical paths1139 are provided which connect one or both terminals of the battery1138 with the PCB 1144.

[0095] A nib cap 1152 extends over the end cap 1126, printhead 1120, PCB1144 and stylus nib 1118 and an aperture 1154 is provided through whichthe free end 1156 of the stylus nib 1118 projects. The aperture 1154 isoval in shape and allows the printhead 1120 to expel ink though theaperture below the stylus nib.

[0096] The cartridge 1116 is positioned in the pen body 1112 and securedin place by one or more resilient snap action arms 1158 integrallyformed on the nib cap 1152. Where the battery 1138 is securely mountedon the end cap with both terminals in electrical connection with the PCB1144, the cartridge need not otherwise engage the pen body 1112. Whereonly one terminal is connected to the PCB, the pen body may be used toprovide the path for the other terminal, via switches if desired, inwhich case the free end of the battery engages a terminal mounted in theclosed end 1160 of the body 1112.

[0097] In a monochrome pen the minimum functionality required to controlthe printhead is an on/off switch and circuitry for controlling the inkjet actuators. The PCB or the printhead itself incorporate the controlcircuitry for the ink jet actuators. The on/off switch is preferablycontrolled so that ink is only ejected when the stylus nib is pressed ona substrate. Pressing the stylus against a substrate results in acompressive force in the stylus nib. In this embodiment this results inmovement of the stylus and the on/off switch may be activated by themovement, by sensing the compressive force or by other means. Where thestylus is substantially fixed, movement of the stylus nib relative tothe rest of the pen is not available.

[0098] The PCB and printhead circuitry may be permanently connected tothe battery or the pen may be provided with a separate “master” on/offswitch. Provision of a master on/off switch allows the user to use thepen in a non-marking mode, such as for use with a touch screen of apersonal organizer type device. Other mechanisms may be used to ensureno printing of the pen, as will be explained later. Where there is nooverride type system, such that the pen is permanently “on”, theprinthead or PCB circuitry or both preferably include “sleep mode” typecircuitry which turns off most of the electrical circuits to conservebattery power. Pressing the stylus nib results in “wake up” of theelectrical systems and printing. Being a solid state device, the delayin commencing printing caused by changing from a sleep mode to an activemode will be so small as to be unnoticed by a user. If the pen includesa motion sensing device, such as an accelerometer, then this sensor can“wake up” the pen on sensing motion above a specified threshold.

[0099] As best seen in FIGS. 1 & 3 the pen body 1112 is not symmetricalbut instead is provided with a finger grip 1162. This finger grip 1162encourages the user to hold the pen in an orientation with the stylusnib 1118 above the printhead 1120. However, the orientation of the penis not critical and the pen is configured so that the stylus nib willnot obstruct the path of ink from the printhead to the paper at anyorientation, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0100]FIG. 7 shows the stylus nib resting against paper at threedifferent orientations, indicated by numbers 1164, 1166 & 1168. The pathof ink from the printhead is indicated by line 1170. Paper sheet 1164represents an orientation with the stylus nib above the printhead whilstpaper sheet 1166 represents an orientation with the stylus nib below theprinthead. Paper sheet 1168 represents an orientation with the stylusnib to the side of the printhead. As seen, the stylus nib does notobstruct the path of the ink to the paper at any orientation.

[0101]FIG. 8 shows a cartridge 1172 similar to that of FIGS. 1 to 6except that the cartridge does not include a battery. The cartridge isotherwise substantially identical to the cartridge of FIGS. 1 to 6 andso the same parts are identified with the same numbers. The maindifferences are that end cap 1174 is a simple plug and has no provisionfor receiving a battery. In addition there is no electrical connectionor wires extending to the PCB 1144. The cartridge 1172 is intended foruse in a pen body which includes a power source, either a battery or awired connection. The body of the pen includes electrical terminals forcontacting with the PCB 1144. The ink supply 1116 may be the same lengthas that of the self powered embodiment or it may be a different length.The battery in the pen may be disposable or a rechargeable type battery.

[0102] The cartridges preferably include identity information hard codedor stored in non-volatile memory which identifies one or morecharacteristics of the cartridge, such as whether the cartridge is amono or color cartridge, the maximum width of line possible, etc. Inaddition the cartridges may include circuitry for monitoring ink levelsin each chamber or for detecting when an ink has run out. Thisinformation may be made available to the pen via the contacts on the PCB1144. Alternatively, the pen controller may decrement values from acalculated, assumed or cartridge supplied initial ink volume as printingoccurs. In one form the cartridge may store the initial ink volume innon-volatile memory and the pen may extract this information from thecartridge when the cartridge is installed. This enables the cartridge tobe a relatively “dumb” device.

[0103] Pen with Sensor

[0104] A pen with a built-in optical sensing device is show in FIGS. 9and 10. The pen 1200 has a body molding 1202, a chassis molding 1204 anda front molding 1206. The pen 1200 uses a cartridge 1208 the same asshown in FIGS. 1 to 6, i.e. a self powered disposable cartridge.

[0105] The pen also includes an optical sensing package 1210 whichcomprises a PCB 1212 and an optical molding 1214. The PCB 1212 includesan image sensor device 1216, a light source device 1218, processingchips 1220, radio transmitter chip 1222, display LEDs 1224 and aerial1226. The aerial 1226 is connected to the PCB 1212 via wire 1228. ThePCB optionally includes an accelerometer 1230. The image sensor device1216 may be responsive to a narrow band of electromagnetic wavelengthsor to a wide band. The light source device 1218 emits electromagneticradiation at some or all of the wavelengths to which the sensor deviceresponds. The image sensor device 1216 is preferably comprised of one ormore charge coupled devices (CCD) or Complementary Metal OxideSemiconductor (CMOS) image sensors. The light source 1218 is preferablycomprised of one or more LEDs which emit electromagnetic radiation atone or more pre-selected wavelengths. The light sources and imagesensors may be provided with one or more filters to filter out unwantedwavelengths. In some circumstances it may be desirable to have a firstset of image sensors responsive only to infrared radiation and a secondset only responsive to visible light. Similarly it may be desirable tohave a first set of light sources which emit only to infrared radiationand a second set which emit only visible light. Other combinations ofwavelengths are possible and the device may be responsive to more thattwo bands of wavelengths.

[0106] In our earlier applications U.S. Ser. No. 09/575,174 (docket no.NPS001US), U.S. Ser. No. 09/575,187 (docket no. NPP001US) and U.S. Ser.No. 09/575,129 (docket no. NPT002US) we have disclosed a system referredto as netpage which includes a pen for sensing invisible tags printedonto paper. The pen 1200 may include all of the functionality of thenetpage pen disclosed in our earlier application and, in effect, be anetpage pen with a controllable marking function.

[0107] Light emitted by the light source device 1218 is guided by theoptics molding 1214 to lens 1232 and then to the substrate in use. Lightreceived by the lens is guided by the optics molding 1214 to the imagesensor device 1216. Where there are multiple light sources or imagesensors, the optics molding includes beam combiners and splitters andfilters as required. The lens is preferably part of the optics moldingand the front molding has an aperture 1233 through which light passesfrom and to the optics molding 1214. The aperture 1233 may be defined bythe lack of material or by the provision of material substantiallytransparent to the light used by the image sensing device(s) 1216.

[0108] The PCB is mounted in slots 1234 in the chassis molding 1204 withthe aerial extending in a slot (not shown) in the upper surface of thechassis molding 1204. The chassis molding slides into the body moldingand is retained in position by the front molding 1206. The front molding1206 is a snap fit in the body molding with a snap fitting (not shown)engaging in recess 1236 of the body molding. The pen PCB 1212 engagesthe contacts of cartridge PCB 1144 to receive power from the batterycarried by the cartridge and to control the operation of the printhead1120. Control of the printhead depends on the application and theprocessor and will be discussed in later sections of this document.

[0109] Control of Printhead

[0110] FIGS. 11 to 13 show a pen 1250 according to a further embodimentof the invention. The pen has a simple tubular body 1252 in which an inkcartridge 1114 is received. The cartridge 1114 may be a monochrome inkcartridge or a color cartridge. The body 1252 includes a PCB 1254 onwhich is mounted a processor chip or chips 1256 and a potentiometer1257. The potentiometer is positioned to lie under the upper surface ofthe body 1252 and is connected to an external slider 1258. The slider1258 slides in slot 1260 of the body. The PCB 1254 includes contact pads1262 which engage contacts 1146 of the cartridge 1114 to receive powerand to control the printhead 1120.

[0111] The potentiometer is capable of adjusting one characteristic ofthe ink deposited by the printhead 1120. This may be the amount of inkdeposited, the width of the line produced, the color of the inkdeposited (in a color cartridge) or any other attribute.

[0112] As mentioned earlier the cartridges may include information whichidentifies one or more characteristics of the cartridge, such as whetherthe cartridge is a mono or color cartridge, the maximum width of linepossible, etc. The processor 1256 of the pen PCB 1254 can obtain thisinformation from the cartridge and change the relevant attribute of theprinthead 1120. The cartridge 1114 may include an area 1268 whichindicates the attribute that may be modified. The information may beprinted on the cartridge body directly or attached by way of a sticker.The body may include a transparent area 1264 adjacent the slider 1256through which the area 1268 is visible. Thus, for instance, a colorcartridge whose color output may be modified may have a rainbow stripeat area 1268 which is visible through area 1264. The user can select anycolor merely by sliding the slider 1258 so that index line 1266 isadjacent the required color. A mono cartridge with adjustable line widthcan have a wedge representing the line width extending axially.Obviously other attributes are controllable.

[0113] Printhead and Stylus Nib

[0114]FIGS. 14 and 15 show in detail a preferred arrangement printheadand stylus nib for use in the cartridge and pen of the present inventionand as used in the cartridges of FIGS. 5, 6 & 8. As such the same partshave the same reference numbers.

[0115] The printhead 1120 is mounted on PCB 1144 and is received in arecess 1176 in end cap 1126. Both the printhead and the recess arenon-circular too aid in correct orientation. The end cap 1126 includesfour ink galleries 1178 which each exit into the recess 1176 at inkoutlets 1180. These outlets communicate with ink inlets 1182 ofprinthead 1120.

[0116] The stylus nib 1118 is mounted in a slot 1184 of nib cap 1152 andheld in place by surface 1190 of the end cap 1126. The cantilevered arms1148 bear against land 1185 and bias the stylus nib outwards. The frontportion 1186 of the stylus nib is circular in cross section but the backportion 1188 has a flat surface 1191 which slides over surface 1190 ofend cap 1126.

[0117] The stylus nib includes a slot 1181 which extends obliquely alongthe flat surface 1191. The printhead 1120 includes a rotary capper 1183.The capper is movable between first and second operative positions. Inthe first position the ink ejection nozzles of the printhead are coveredand preferably sealed to prevent drying of the ink in the printhead andingress of foreign material or both. In the second position the inkejection nozzles of the printhead are not covered and the printhead mayoperate. The capper 1183 includes an arm 1185 which engages the slot1181. Thus as the stylus nib moves in and out relative to the printheadthe capper 1183 is caused to rotate. When the stylus nib is under noload and is fully extended the capper is in the first position and whenthe stylus nib is depressed the capper is in the second position. Thecapper 1183 may incorporate an on/off switch for the printhead 1120, sothe printhead can only operate where the capper is in the secondoperative position. The slot may have an oblique portion to open andclose the capper and then a portion extending axially where no movementof the capper occurs with stylus nib movement.

[0118] Printhead and Capper Construction

[0119] The construction and arrangement of the printhead 1120 and capper1183 are shown in FIGS. 16 to 24 inclusive. The printhead 1120 is anassembly of four layers 1302, 1304, 1306 and 1308 of a semiconductormaterial. Layer 1306 is a layer of electrically active semiconductorelements, including MEMS ink ejection devices 1310. Layer 1306 has beenconstructed using standard semiconductor fabrication techniques. Layers1302 and 1304 are electrically inactive in the printhead and providepassageways to supply the ink to the ink ejection devices 1310 from theink inlets 1182. The layer 1308 is also electrically inactive and formsa guard with apertures 1320 above each ink ejection device 1310 to allowink to be ejected from the printhead. The layers 1302, 1304 and 1308need not be the same material as the layer 1306 or even a semiconductorbut by using the same material one avoids problems with materialinterfaces. Further, by using semiconductor material for all componentsthe entire assembly may be manufactured using semiconductor fabricationtechniques.

[0120] The printhead 1120 has four ink inlets 1182 and the ink ejectiondevices 1310 are arranged into twelve sets, each of which extendsroughly radially outwards from the center 1300 of the printhead. Everyfourth radial line of ink ejection devices 1310 is connected to the sameink inlet. Ink ejection devices connected to the same ink inletconstitute a set of ink ejection devices. The ink ejection devices 1310are arranged on alternate sides of a radial line, which results incloser radial spacing of their centers. (Is there any other reason?).The twelve “lines” of ink ejection devices 1310 are arrangedsymmetrically about the center 1300 of the printhead, at a spacing of30°. It will be appreciated that the number of “lines” of ink ejectiondevices 1310 may be more or less than twelve. Similarly there may bemore or less than four ink inlets 1182. Preferably there are an equalnumber of lines for each ink inlet 1182. If a single ink is used in thecartridge the ink inlets need not feed equal numbers of “lines” of inkejection devices.

[0121] The layer 1306 includes a tab 1311 on which there are provided anumber of sets of electrical control contacts 1312. For clarity onlyfour contacts are shown; it will be appreciated that there may be more,depending on the number of different color inks used and the degree ofcontrol desired over each individual ink ejection device 1310 and otherrequirements. The printhead is mounted on the PCB 1144 by bonding thetab onto the PCB 1144. The electrical contacts 1312 engage correspondingcontacts (not shown) on the PCB 1144. The layer 1306 includes controlcircuitry for each ink ejection device to control the device when turnedon. However, generally, all higher level control, such as what colorinks to print and in what relative quantities, is carried out externallyof the printhead. This may be by circuitry on the PCB 1144 or pen PCBssuch as 1212 of the FIGS. 9 & 10 device or 1254 of the FIGS. 11, 12 & 13device. These higher level controls are passed to the printhead 1120 viacontacts 1312. There is preferably at least one set of contacts 1312 foreach set of ink ejection devices. However each line or each individualink ejection device may be addressable. At its simplest, each set may bemerely turned on or off by the control signals.

[0122] As seen in FIG. 16 in plan view the printhead 1120 has asubstantially octagonal profile with tabs 1314 and 1316 extending fromopposite faces of the octagon. It will be noted that tab 1314 is formedof layers 1302, 1304 and 1306 only, whilst tab 1316 is formed of allfour layers 1302, 1304, 1306 and 1308. This enables the PCB 1144 to bebonded to the layer 1306 without extending above the top of layer 1308.The octagonal shape with tabs also aids in locating the printhead in therecess 1176 in the end cap 1126.

[0123] The capper 1183 is also preferably formed of the samesemiconductor material as the print head and is mounted on the printheadfor rotation about the printhead's center 1300. As with the nonelectrically active layers, the capper need not be the same material asthe print head or even be a semiconductor. The capper may be rotatedbetween an open position (see FIG. 17) and a closed position (see FIG.18). The open position is shown, with the closed position shown indotted outline in FIGS. 16 and 18. The capper 1183 has twelve radiallyextending apertures 1318. These apertures are sized and arranged so thatin the open position all of the ink ejection devices are free to ejectink through the apertures. In the closed position the apertures 1318overlie material between the lines of ink ejection devices, and thematerial of the capper between the apertures 1318 overlies the apertures1320 in the upper layer 1308. Thus ink cannot escape from the printheadand foreign material cannot enter into the apertures 1320 and the inkejection devices to possibly cause a blockage. The apertures 1318 arepreferably formed in the capper 1183 using standard semiconductoretching methods. In the embodiment shown, each aperture is equivalent toa series of overlapping cylindrical bores, the diameter of which is afunction of radial distance from the capper's center 1300.Alternatively, the apertures may be defined by two radially extendinglines at a small angle to each other. It will be appreciated that theoutside of the capper moves more than the inside when rotated so theapertures need to increase in width as the radial distance increases.

[0124] The capper is substantially planar with eight legs 1322 extendingdownwards from the periphery of the lower surface 1326. These legs arespaced equally about the circumference and engage in corresponding slots1328 formed in the peripheral edge of the upper surface 1329 of theupper layer 1308. The slots are rectangular with rounded inner corners.The inner surface 1330 of the slots 1328 and the inner surface of thelegs may be arcuate and centered on the printhead's center 1300 to aidin ensuring the capper rotates about the central axis 1300. However thisis not essential. In the embodiment shown, each face of the octagon hasa slot 1328 but this is not essential and, for instance, only alternatefaces may have a slot therein. The symmetry of the legs 1322 and slots1328 is also not essential.

[0125] Rotation of the capper is caused by engaging arm 1185 in theangled slot 1181 in the stylus nib. Rotation of the capper is ultimatelylimited by the legs 1322 and slots 1328. To prevent damage to thecapper, printhead or the stylus nib, the arm 1185 has a narrowed portion1334. In the event that the stylus nib is pushed in too far, the arm1185 flexes about the narrowed portion 1334. In addition, guard arms1336 are provided on either side of the arm 1185 and also serve to limitrotation. The recess 1176 into which the printhead is inserted has anopening in which the guard arms are located. If for some reason thecapper is rotated too much, the guard arms contact the side of theopening and limit rotation before the legs 1322 contact the ends of theslots 1328.

[0126] Printhead Actuation

[0127] Whilst the pen may be turned on, it is desirable that the printhead only actuate when the stylus nib is pressed against a substrate.The stylus nib may cause a simple on-off switch to close as it movesinto the pen. Alternatively, a force sensor may measure the amount offorce applied to the stylus nib. In this regard the cantilevered arms1148 may be used directly as electrical force sensors. Alternatively, adiscrete force sensor may be acted upon by the inner end of the stylusnib. Where a force sensor is utilized, it may be used merely to turn theprinthead on or off or to (electronically) control the rate of inkejection with a higher force resulting in a higher ejection rate, forinstance. The force sensed may be used by a controller to control otherattributes, such as the line width. Rotation of the capper may alsocause an on/off switch to change state.

[0128] Printhead Ink Passageways

[0129] The printhead has the different color ink ejection devicesarranged radially and this presents problems in supplying ink to theejection devices where the different color ink ejection devices areinterleaved. In conventional printers the ink ejection devices arearranged in parallel rows and so all the different inks may be suppliedto each row from either or both ends of the row. In a radial arrangementthis is not possible.

[0130] The rear surface of the bottom layer 1302 is provided with fourink inlets 1182. These inlets are oval shaped on the rear surface forapproximately half the thickness of the layer 1302 and then continue asa circular aperture 1340 through to the upper surface. The rear surfaceof the layer 1302 also has four grooves 1342, 1344, 1346 and 1348located in the central region. There are a number of holes that extendfrom the grooves through the layer 1302 (see FIGS. 21 and 24). The lowersurface of the lower layer 1302 seals against the end cap 1126 so thesegrooves define sealed passageways.

[0131] As mentioned above, there are four ink inlets and twelve lines ofink ejection devices 1310, so three lines of ink ejection devices needto receive ink from the same ink inlet. Referring to FIG. 21, a firstset of three lines of ink ejection devices is numbered as 1370, 1371 &1372. This set receives ink supplied by ink inlet 1182 a. The secondlayer 1304 has a slot 1350 extending through its thickness under theline of ink ejection devices. The outer end of the slot 1350 is alignedwith the ink inlet 1182 a and so supplies ink to the devices of line1370 above it, as seen in FIG. 19. The other end of the slot 1350 alignswith hole 1356 in layer 1302 to communicate with groove 1342. The endsof groove 1342 have holes 1358 & 1360 to the upper surface and thesecommunicate with slots 1352 and 1354, respectively. These slots supplyink to lines 1371 and 1372, respectively. The supply of ink fromopposing ink inlet 1182 c to respective lines 1376, 1377 & 1378 of inkejection devices is accomplished with a mirror image of the slots andgrooves.

[0132] Ink inlet 1182 b communicates with slot 1362 and so supplies line1373 of ink ejection devices. The inner end of slot 1362 communicateswith hole 1364 in layer 1302. This hole 1364 communicates with groove1344. The other end of groove 1344 has a hole 1366 extending to theupper surface which communicates with slot 1368. The slot 1368 extendsunder lines 1374 and 1375 of ink ejection devices and so all three linesreceive the same ink. The supply of ink from inlet 1182 d to the lines1379, 1380 & 1381 is achieved with a mirror image arrangement of slotsand grooves.

Control of Attributes of Printed Ink

[0133] Color Control Via Potentiometers

[0134]FIG. 23 shows a four color pen 1400 having a pen body 1402 and areplaceable four color ink cartridge 1114. The pen body 1401 includesthree rotary potentiometers 1404, 1406 & 1408. The potentiometerscontrol the hue, saturation and brightness value respectively. The penbody also includes a display 1410 which displays a color correspondingto the settings. The display 1410 is preferably an organic lightemitting diode (OLED) display capable of displaying the required colors.Alternatively the display may be a combination of several differentcolored pulse width modulated LEDs or a color LCD. A passive display maybe provided with a graphical representation of the effect of eachcontrol printed on the surface adjacent the respective control. Afurther variation provides a display which outputs numeric values ofHve, Saturation and Value (HSV) or text. The display may be omitted andthe user may merely rely on drawing a sample line to obtain the desiredattributes. The potentiometers may be linear rather than rotarypotentiometers.

[0135] It will be appreciated that other color control models may beused. Instead of controlling HSV the potentiometers may control Red,Green, & Blue (RGB) attributes or the relative amounts of Cyan, Magentaand Yellow (CMY) inks deposited. The pen may be provided with an abilityto allow the potentiometers to change any of HSV, RGB or CMY.

[0136] Color Control Via Cycle Buttons

[0137]FIG. 24 shows a pen 1420 including a pen body 1422 and areplaceable four color ink cartridge 1114. The pen body 1422 includes acolor display 1424, preferably an OLED and three control buttons 1426,1428 & 1430. The pen body includes non volatile memory in which isstored a plurality of different color values. The control button 1426 isoperable to place the pen in a “select” mode, whereby the buttons 1428and 1430 cause the pen to cycle through the available stored values,with the display 1424 displaying the corresponding color to be printed.The buttons 1428 & 1430 cause the pen to scroll through the values indifferent directions. The button 1430 may be omitted if scrolling in onedirection is acceptable. Once the desired value is displayed, it may beselected via the button 1426 and the pen will then produce the selectedcombination until it is changed.

[0138] Line Attribute Control Via Cycle Buttons

[0139]FIG. 25 shows a pen 1432 including a pen body 1434 and areplaceable four color ink cartridge 1114. The pen body 1434 includes acolor display 1436, preferably an OLED, and three control buttons 1438,1440 & 1442. The pen body includes non volatile memory in which isstored a plurality of different line types, such as solid line, dottedline, dot—dash line etc. The control button 1438 is operable to placethe pen in a “select” mode, whereby the buttons 1440 and 1442 cause thepen to cycle through the available stored line types, with the display1436 displaying the corresponding line to be printed. The buttons 1428 &1430 cause the pen to scroll through the types in opposite directions.Once the desired value is displayed, it may be selected via the button1438 and the pen will then produce the selected line type until it ischanged. It will also be appreciated that the line width may be modifiedin a similar manner, with the pen having a number of line widths storedand which may be selected by the user.

[0140] Other control models are within the scope of the invention andthe invention is not limited to control of attributes via potentiometersor control buttons.

[0141] In will be appreciated that a single pen may provide control ofcolor, line type and line width, and other attributes as desired, with asingle display and three control buttons, with the selection buttoncausing the pen to cycle through available attributes, such as color,line type and line width. Additionally buttons may be provided forcycling through color components individually, such as hue, saturationand value

Color Control Via Sampling

[0142] Netpage Sensing

[0143]FIG. 26 shows a pen 1450 having a four color ink cartridge 1114and a pen body 1452. The pen body incorporates the sensor package 1454described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 and which is capable ofimaging a substrate. The pen body includes control buttons 1456 and nonvolatile memory (not shown). The pen is operable to “pick” a color fromany object by “clicking” the stylus nib 1118 against the object eitheralone or in conjunction with pushing an appropriate one of buttons 1456.A color card 1510, shown in FIG. 27 may be provided with a rainbow ofpre defined colors 1512 for use with the pen. The card also includes anarea 1514 for setting the brightness of the color and an area 1516 forselecting a line width and/or style.

[0144] The sensor package 1454 may be capable of detecting and decodingnetpage tags as described in our earlier application U.S. Ser. No.09/575,129 (docket no. NPT002US) and a “color card” may be provided witha series of color samples, each of which is also invisible encoded withnetpage type tags. The tags for each color sample may merely indicatefunction rather than position, such as “set the color to X” where X isthe color of the sample. The pen includes memory in which the functionassociated with a particular tag code is stored. To set the pen to aparticular color the user merely clicks the desired color and the pensenses and decodes the tag.

[0145] An alternative structure of the color card (not shown) mayinclude two command areas. The first area includes tags equivalent to acommand of “place in color selection mode” or “pick” mode whilst thesecond area includes tags equivalent to the command of “set the color tothe current color”, or “set” mode. To select a color the user may merely“click” on the first area, click on the desired color sample and thenclick on the second “set” area.

[0146] In a further variation the color card may include a series ofdifferent colors whose values are encoded in a single tag. The card mayinclude an area encoded with these tags so that a user may click thearea and upload a series of colors rather than just one.

[0147] Alternatively the tags may operate as in the netpage system wherethe tags are decoded and transmitted to a netpage server. The serverdetermines the function associated with the tags and transmits anappropriate instruction back to the pen. In this regard reference ismade to the FIGS. 9 & 10 embodiment which includes appropriate hardware(transmitter and aerial) for transmitting and receiving information toan external device.

[0148] Where a pen is connected to a computer system the attributes ofwhat is printed may be set by the user using the computer rather thancontrols on the pen.

[0149] The color card may also include areas which allow the user to setany other attribute of the line printed, such as line type or linewidth.

[0150] The display may be used to display modal, selection, and statusinformation, including:

[0151] mode name

[0152] current color/texture for drawing/painting

[0153] current line width for drawing

[0154] current brush for painting

[0155] first few words of current text selection

[0156] image fragment of current image selection

[0157] Universal Resource Iocator (URI) of hyperlink selection

[0158] pen status (power, communication with printer, etc.)

[0159] error messages

[0160] Sensing with Sensor at Top of Pen

[0161] FIGS. 28 to 33 shows a pen 1470 including a replaceable fourcolor ink cartridge 1114. The pen body 1472 includes an optical sensordevice 1474 at its top end. The pen body includes a color display 1476and a control button 1478. The display and control button are mounted ona first PCB 1480, together with a controller chip or chips 1479. Thechip(s) 1479 include a small amount of non volatile memory capable ofstoring a small number of color (or other attributes) samples. The PCBincludes contact pads 1483 for contacting with the contact pads of theink cartridge 1114 and for receiving power and controlling the printhead1120. The sensor device 1474 is mounted on a second PCB 1482 whichengages with contacts (not shown) on the first PCB. Two PCBs areprovided for ease of manufacturing and a single PCB may be provided onwhich all components are mounted.

[0162] The sensor device 1474 includes a chassis molding 1484. Thismolding is seated in a recess in the internal end of the pen body and isin a substantially fixed position. There is provided an image sensorcapable of sampling any visible color. The sensor 1486 is preferably aRGB photoreceptor. Other point, line or image sensors may be used.

[0163] The molding 1484 includes a recess 1488 in which is located amovement switch 1490. This switch is sandwiched between the molding andthe PCB 1483 on which the image sensor 1486 is mounted. The switch 1490is normally open but is closed by a compressive force. A lens molding1492, which includes a lens 1494, is slidably mounted in the end of thepen and bears against the PCB 1482. The molding 1492 includes astand-off ring 1496 to prevent the lens 1494 contacting a generallyplanar substrate. Light enters the lens 1494 and is focused/directedonto the point, line or image sensor 1486. The lens molding 1492 may bepressed into the pen, compressing the switch and causing it to changestate from open to closed. On release of the compressive force theswitch urges the molding 1492 outwards.

[0164] The color of the line produced by the pen may be controlled in avariety of ways. As mentioned, the controller chips 1479 are capable ofstoring a number of different colors. The color to be printed may beselected from the stored colors by use of the control button 1478. Theselected color is displayed on the color display. It is also possible tosample and store custom colors in the memory using the image sensingdevice 1474. The user may “click” the optical sensor device 1474 againsta sample of the desired color. This causes the switch 1490 to close andthe color detected by the image sensor 1486 is passed to the controllerchip(s) 1479. The controller chip then sets the color to be printed anddisplayed to the sampled color. The user may change colors by “clicking”on a different color sample or by using the control button 1478 toselect one of the stored colors.

[0165] Colors sampled with the sensing device may be stored in thememory for later use. After “clicking” on the sample the user maydepress the button 1478 to store the sampled color in memory, preferablywithin a preset time, such as 5 seconds. If the button is not pressedthe color is treated as a “temporary” color and is not stored. Thememory may only be capable of storing a small number of colors, such asfive or ten; storing more colors may be possible but makes selection ofthe desired color more difficult to the user. Where the memory hasreached capacity, the pen may implement one of a number of schemes fordeleting a stored color to make space for the new color. Deletion may beof the oldest color stored, the color least recently used, the colorleast frequently used, etc. Alternatively, the user may be prompted tomanually delete a color and to then resample the color to be stored.Other deletion schemes are within the scope of the invention.

[0166] Other modes of operation are possible; for instance, the pen mayautomatically store all sampled colors rather than requiring user input.The pen may provide two or more separate memories (even if there is onlyone physical memory device). A first memory may be used to store“favorite” colors and the second memory for storing “temporary” colors.

[0167] The sensor may be used to sample attributes other than color,such as line width and line style.

[0168] Line Style or Color Control by Drawing

[0169]FIG. 34 shows a pen 1500 having a pen body 1502 and a replaceablecartridge 1114. The cartridge may be a monochrome or four colorcartridge. The pen body includes a control button 1504 and an indicator1506. The indicator may be a single or multi color LED assembly and maybe separate or incorporated into the control button. The pen includescontroller circuitry for controlling the printhead 1120 and non volatilememory for storing attributes of the line printed. The pen has twomodes; a first mode in which it prints the currently selected set ofattributes and a second mode for selecting one of the stored set ofattributes. The pen is normally in the first mode and is set in thesecond mode when a user presses the control button 1504. Preferably thecontrol button 1504 is located on the pen such that in normal use theuser is unlikely to accidentally press the button but it is easilyaccessible. One location is the top 1508 of the pen, although thisrequires two hands to operate. Near the nib area allows operation withone hand.

[0170] When in the second mode the pen preferably indicates this by wayof the indicator 1506. The indicator may be inactive in the first modeand flash or change color in the second mode. If desired the indicatormay be omitted.

[0171] To cycle through the available sets of attributes the user merelydraws a line on a piece of paper or the like. As discussed above, theprinthead is only activated when the stylus nib is pressed on the paper.Thus cycling through the sets can be triggered by the commencement orceasing of drawing. In the preferred form the user draws a line andlifts the pen. The attribute set just drawn is set to the “current”attribute set on “lift off” of the stylus nib. If the user presses thebutton 1504 the pen continues printing with the “current” attribute set,i.e. the line just drawn. If the button is not pressed then on “putdown” of the stylus nib the “current” attribute set is changed to thenext set in the memory and that new attribute set is printed. By drawinglines one after the other the pen is caused to cycle through theavailable attribute sets. The attribute sets may be colors, line widths,line styles or any other characteristic which may be changed, or acombination of such characteristics. The pen may have a number of groupsof attribute sets, such that a first group allows color selection, asecond group allows line style selection and a third group allows linewidth selection, for example. Selecting the appropriate group to modifymay be achieved using the control button 1504. Alternatively, one maycycle through all members of all groups sequentially.

[0172] Indirect Printing

[0173] Although direct printing of ink onto a substrate is the preferredprinting method, indirect printing is possible. A small Memjet printheadcan be used to construct a universal drawing implement. A smallcylindrical roller is in contact with the page. The roller spins freelyabout the axis of the stylus, so that as the roller is dragged acrossthe page, it automatically orients itself so that it is at right anglesto the direction of motion. The Memjet printhead is mounted behind theroller. It prints onto the back of the roller, and the roller transfersthe printed image onto the page. A small cleaning station cleans any inkoff the surface of the roller after it has contacted the page, so thatthe printhead always prints onto a clean surface. The printheadreproduces a contone color image via dithered bi-level CMY or CMYK. Thestylus can be programmed to produce any colored, textured continuousline or paint stroke. The rate of printing is dictated by the speed ofmovement of the roller relative to the page. This can be determined inseveral ways, e.g., from the actual rotation of the roller, or bycontinuously imaging the surface and detecting movement in the same wayas a second-generation optical mouse, or by sensing and decoding the mapof a self-mapping surface.

[0174] The stylus can also be switched into non-marking mode, obviatingthe need for both marking and non-marking nibs.

[0175] The user can load virtual colors, textures and line styles intothe universal pen from printed palettes. The stylus can optionallyindicate its current settings via an LCD or LEDs.

[0176] Stroke Effects

[0177] The pen of the present invention is capable of many varied strokeeffects. Some, such as color and line width are independent of time andposition. Others, such as printing a dotted line are dependant on timeand/or relative position of the pen. The FIGS. 9 & 10 embodimentoptionally includes an accelerometer array. This array may be used toderive the relative position of the pen as it moves over a substrate.Thus a dot—dash line may be drawn with equal length dashes despitevariations in pen speed. Many other effects are also possible, theseincluding: Stroke style Color texture (flat, image, procedural) Opacitytexture (flat, image, procedural) Nib shape (2D shape, 3D shape,orientation) Determines stroke width Determines “cap” and corner shapesVarying style with Time (speed) Stroke width Opacity (airbrush) Space(including orientation) “Reveal” image “Checkered paint” Dashed lineRainbow colors “Image hose” Location On/off Specific style/current styleTilt 3D nib shape Force (“pressure”) Stroke width Opacity (airbrush)Simulated physics of nib, ink, paper, brush, paint and canvas Transferof ink/paint from nib/brush to paper/canvas Striated brush strokeLayering (stroke on canvas and stroke on stroke) Diffusion ViscosityMixing Kubelka-Munk color model Simulated lighting Light sourcedirection and color Color physics of media Layering topography ExamplesPen Ball-point Calligraphy Pencil Graphite Color Charcoal Oil paintWater color Crayon Pastel

[0178] In this regard reference is made to our earlier applications U.S.Ser. No. 09/112,777 (docket no. ART24), U.S. Ser. No. 09/112,797 (docketNo ART30), U.S. Ser. No. 09/113,091 (docket no. ART47) and U.S. Ser. No.09/113,054 (docket no. ART52).

[0179] Motion Sensing

[0180] The embodiment of FIGS. 9 & 10 optionally includes anaccelerometer. The accelerometer may be used to provide relative motionsensing/positioning within a pen stroke or a number of strokes. Thismotion may be recorded and used to provide a digital ink record of theuser's strokes. Relative motion sensing may be achieved by other means,such as gyroscopes or use of a rolling ball in contact with thesubstrate.

[0181] Absolute positioning within a stroke is more desirable. The penof FIGS. 9 & 10 has netpage functionality—it is capable of detecting anddecoding invisible tags printed on a substrate. This netpagefunctionality provides the pen with the ability to fix its position on anetpage encoded substrate absolutely (and thus absolutely within astroke) using the absolute positioning encoded in the tags.Alternatively, the pen may rely on the grid based layout of the tags toprovide absolute positioning within the stroke without decoding thetags. Absolute positioning within the stroke may be achieved using othermeans, such as imaging the surface of the substrate and using thetexture of the substrate to detect movement.

[0182] As mentioned above, use of netpage tags enables absolutepositioning within a page. This enables the pen to be controlled by anetpage application to mark a netpage surface. The user moves the penover the page. As the pen moves it detects tags which enable itsabsolute position on the page to be established. The netpage applicationcontrols the pen to mark the page according to its position. As such thepen can be used to “reveal” an image by rubbing the stylus over therelevant portion of the page.

[0183] Computer Interface

[0184] The pen of FIGS. 9 & 10 is netpage enabled and has two waycommunication with a netpage server. Using appropriate software it ispossible to control the attributes of the marking device from a netpageapplication. For example, the user may pick a color, a palette ofcolors, nib styles or line styles and download these into the pen'smemory.

[0185] The netpage tags may encode a function or location; the pen mayhave stored in memory functions, so that the pen can be controlled bysensed tags without the need to revert to a netpage server. Locationcode interpretation usually needs to be carried out by the netpageserver.

[0186] The netpage system includes a feature referred to as “digitalink” whereby the system records the path of the pen, to enable recordalof signatures. The pen of FIGS. 9 & 10 provides the ability to alsorecord the “style” of the digital ink. The pen may transmit to thenetpage server information relation to one or more attributes of thevisible markings placed on the substrate. These attributes include butare not limited to color, line width and line style.

[0187] Communication of the pen may be by infrared, short range (DigitalEnhanced Telephone, Bluetooth) or long range Code Division MultipleAccess (CDMA), Global System Mobile (GSM) radio transmission, via alocal relay (Bluetooth to mobile phone)or via a temporary or permanentwired connection. A temporary wired connection may be useful fordownloading an entire palette.

[0188] Conclusion

[0189] Whilst the invention has been described with reference to ink jettype marking devices, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to ink jet type devices or devices which deposit material onto asubstrate. The invention includes devices which alter the substrate,such as thermal printers and electronic paper type (e ink) printers,which change the state of electronically changeable elements of asubstrate. For a better understanding of electronically active inks,reference is made to U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,017,584, 6,124,851, 6,120,839,6,120,588, 6,118,426 and 6,067,185, all assigned to E Ink Corporation,the contents of which are included herein by reference.

[0190] It will be appreciated that whilst the embodiments described eachonly include some of the features of the invention, some or all of thefeatures disclosed in two or more different embodiments may be combinedtogether.

[0191] The present invention has been described with reference to apreferred embodiment and number of specific alternative embodiments.However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant fieldsthat a number of other embodiments, differing from those specificallydescribed, will also fall within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. Accordingly, it will be understood that the invention is notintended to be limited to the specific embodiments described in thepresent specification, including documents incorporated bycross-reference as appropriate. The scope of the invention is onlylimited by the attached claims.

1. A pen including a marking device operative to mark a visible pathonto a surface, the marking device being electronically controllable tochange the value of at least one attribute of the path, the penincluding at least one position sensing device or a motion sensingdevice or both and a controller operable to change the value of at leastone attribute, the value derived from the position of the pen relativeto the surface, the speed of the pen relative to the surface or both. 2.The pen of claim 1 including at least one sensing device for sensingimages or colors or both and wherein the controller is operable tochange the value of the at least one attribute, the value derived fromthe sensed images or colors.
 3. The pen of claim 2 wherein the or atleast one of a plurality of sensor devices is capable of sensing imagesincluding coded data relating to attributes.
 4. The pen of claim 1wherein the at least one sensing device is located adjacent the markingdevice.
 5. The pen of claim 1 wherein the at least one sensing device islocated at one end of the pen and the marking device is located at theother end of the pen.
 6. The pen of claim 6 wherein the at least onesensing device is operable by pushing the at least one sensing deviceagainst a surface.
 7. The pen of claim 1 wherein including a userinterface whereby a user may change the value of the at least oneattribute.
 8. The pen of claim 7 wherein the user interface includes adisplay for displaying information relating to the value of the at leastone attribute.
 9. The pen of claim 7 wherein the user interface isoperable to cycle through the stored sets of values of at least oneattribute.
 10. The pen of claim 1 wherein the user interface includes atleast one device selected from the group comprising a slider, a controlbutton, a slider and at least one other control button.
 11. The pen ofclaim 1 further including a memory for storing at least one user definedset of value the at least one attribute.
 12. The pen of claim 11 whereinthe stored sets of values of at least one attribute are cycled bysequentially displaying information on a display.
 13. The pen of claim 1wherein the at least one attribute includes marking or not marking. 14.The pen of claim 3 wherein the user defined set includes at least onevalue derived from an image or color sensed by the sensing device.